Todd Snider - Step Right Up (1996)

Picking up where he left off with his exceptional debut Songs for the Daily Planet Todd Snider continues his ragged-but-right blend of folk, country and rootsy rock & roll on this 14-song release. At times brilliant, Snider's songwriting talent is still intact, as is his passionate voice and the superb instrumental backing by his band the Nervous Wrecks. The first single "I Believe You" is a hopeful testament of the singer's faith in human nature. Keen observations of social and political issues are honestly presented, using wit and humor as in "Side Show Blues," "Tension," and with kick-in-the-gut seriousness -- "T.V. Guide," "24 Hours a Day." It's not all weighty stuff though -- the swampy "Moon Dawg's Tavern" and the Chuck Berry-esque rocker "Late Last Night" are just plain fun. Hear him out; he's got a lot to say.